Petunia

I'm not sure why this film gets such weak ratings and reviews. I certainly enjoyed it. Maybe it's because I didn't know what to expect so I just "went with it", or maybe it's because I'm older (>50). Regardless though, it's a good little flick.

It's a quirky story told in a quirky way and it works. Everything (direction, plot, dialogue and acting) is exaggerated just enough to make it teeter near an edge but it never falls off and that gives it a fresh, slightly bizarre delivery. There's no doubt it's a dark comedy but it doesn't feel like one. Creating that sort of mood isn't easy but Christian navigates it well and the actors are right in step.

All in all an enjoyable ride. If you get a chance definitely check it out.

OK. Good premise, good cast, good money. And then - a kind of slow, almost leisurely, but basically rather sad, car crash. Nobody cares about anybody. The parents are so self-obsessed I felt like putting a brick through the screen. It's a good attempt, well (enough) done, but there's really just no-one to like. At all. In the press (here in the UK) there have been a few pundits saying there will be fewer films but they'll cost more. This wasn't cheap, and has decent production values. It's the script, I suspect. If you're a BIG fan of a cast member, then go for it. Otherwise it's a stretch.

4 out of 10. Not awful, just a damp squib.

Petunia is a mixed bag of family drama. First off, I wouldn't say that this film is a romantic comedy or even a comedy. If anything, this film is an attempt to look at the "modern" family unit. Now there were a few moments of dark humor that made me chuckle here and there. But overall, this film is a drama, and it actually had lots of potential. However, there are too many storylines, and the film keeps getting in its own way. Here, there are three main storylines, the parents who can't communicate anymore, the brother who is hooking up with his brother's wife, and the gay brother. I won't spoil anything but the only one that is really interesting is the Gay brother who finds out his boyfriend is married to Brittany Snow. The interactions between Brittany Snow and the main character are really sweet, funny, and thought provoking. Also, my DVD has Brittany Snow on the cover, and I was very disappointed to find out that she wasn't the main star. But her character and her performance defiantly carried the second half of the film. And while the ending was great, I thought the film had a good message. As Brittany Snow states, "I don't want to be one of those people that settles for a S***** life because the alternative takes too much work."

This was a pleasant surprise. "Petunia" revolves around an extended family. The children are grown up and relate to their parents as adults.

These characters are narcissistic, they abuse drugs and alcohol, and mostly they are desperately searching for meaningful lives in our fast paced world.

The drama is quite heavy at times, and always fascinating. It's broken up by some truly funny situations. The acting is good, as you should expect from a film like this. Charlie, the lead, is especially impressive as the meek but affable middle son who actually holds the family together.

I suppose if I had one criticism, it's that the characters all seem independently wealthy. Apart from that, this is a pretty compelling portrait of modern life. I recommend it.

If you liked this, then please check out my other reviews. I try to review the movies which not many people see.

This is a film that personifies horrible acting, a poor script and just the biggest waste of time imaginable. It's listed as a "dark comedy" but really is neither of those things. It's time you'll never get back if you do watch it!